Kids' locks shown some love for Christmas

The day before Thanksgiving, 4-year-old Hailee Polaski grabbed a pair of scissors and cut several chunks from her long brown hair.

Her mother, Melonie Yawger, was devastated.

On Sunday, just in time for Christmas, Hailee's uneven bangs and chunky locks were evened out.

"She's beautiful again," Yawger said.

Hailee was one of about 15 children treated to a hair cut and lunch Sunday at Bavaro Hair Salon in Vernon Hills.

Santa Claus also made an appearance, handing out bags of toys to the children.

Salon owners Gino and Sara Bavaro invited the kids from Lake County Women's Residential Services and Haven House, two transition centers for women and children.

"These people are just so special, and we want to let them know they are important," Gino Bavaro said.

Bavaro Hair treats the women from these centers to a haircut about four times a year.

"I felt renewed and like a new person," said Sandra Wright, a mother in the program who was pampered by Bavaro about a month ago. "I got my hair done, and a facial wax and some conditioner, and I looked so pretty."

On Sunday, Wright's daughter, Sheena Flowers, 6, was given the same star treatment.

"Normally, we put all of our focus on the moms," Gino Bavaro said. "This time of year, I think it is important to let the kids know they are special, too."

Students from the College of Lake County's cosmetology program assisted with the haircuts Sunday.

"This puts us in such good spirits and is just as much fun for us as it is for them," said Cesare Bavaro, Gino's son and a CLC cosmetology student.

Cheryl Adams watched as her son Jamairon, 5, got his hair buzzed off.

Adams pretended to search the beauty shop for her "baby boy" as Jamairon giggled, impressed with himself, and his new 'do.

"You know how you feel when your eyes get all watery and you are just so happy?" Adams said, while watching Jamairon. "That is how I feel now."